Scientists have found that although we are prone to snap overreactions, if we take a moment and think about how we are likely to react, we can reduce or even eliminate the negative effects of our quick, hard-wired responses.

Snap decisions can be important defense mechanisms; if we are judging whether someone is dangerous, our brains and bodies are hard-wired to react very quickly, within milliseconds. But we need more time to assess other factors. To accurately tell whether someone is sociable, studies show, we need at least a minute, preferably five. It takes a while to judge complex aspects of personality, like neuroticism or open-mindedness.

But snap decisions in reaction to rapid stimuli aren’t exclusive to the interpersonal realm. Psychologists at the University of Toronto found that viewing a fast-food logo for just a few milliseconds primes us to read 20 percent faster, even though reading has little to do with eating. We unconsciously associate fast food with speed and impatience and carry those impulses into whatever else we’re doing, Subjects exposed to fast-food flashes also tend to think a musical piece lasts too long.

Yet we can reverse such influences. If we know we will overreact to consumer products or housing options when we see a happy face (one reason good sales representatives and real estate agents are always smiling), we can take a moment before buying. If we know female job screeners are more likely to reject attractive female applicants, we can help screeners understand their biases-or hire outside screeners.

John Gottman, the marriage expert, explains that we quickly “thin slice” information reliably only after we ground such snap reactions in “thick sliced” long-term study. When Dr. Gottman really wants to assess whether a couple will stay together, he invites them to his island retreat for a muck longer evaluation; two days, not two seconds.

Our ability to mute our hard-wired reactions by pausing is what differentiates us from animals: doge can think about the future only intermittently or for a few minutes. But historically we have spent about 12 percent of our days contemplating the longer term. Although technology might change the way we react, it hasn’t changed our nature. We still have the imaginative capacity to rise above temptation and reverse the high-speed trend.

The time needed in making decisions may____ .

Write an essay based on the following chart in your writing, you should

(1)interpret the chart ,and

(2)give your comments

You should write about 150 words.

suppose your class is to hold a charity sale for kids in need of help. write your classmates an email to

1) inform. them about the details and

2)encourage them to participate 100 words use LiMing.Don't write your address.

I can pick a date from the past 53 years and know instantly where I was , what happened in the news and even the day of the week. I’ve been able to do this since I was four.

I never feel overwhelmed with the amount of information my brain absorbs my mind seems to be able to cope and the information is stored away realy. When I think of a sad memory, I do what everyone does- try to put it to one side. I don’t think it’s harder for me just because my memory is clearer. Powerful memory doesn’t make my emotions any more acture or vivid. I can recall the day my grandfather died and the sadness I felt when we went to the hosptital the day before. I also remember that the musical paly Hamopened on the Broadway on the same day- they both just pop into my mind in the same way.

The author’s attitude toward Reading’s appeal is one of ________ .

A、 Live like a peasant

B、 Balance your diet

C、 Shopkeepers are your friends

D、 Remember to treat yourself

E、 Stick to what you need

F、 Planning is evervthing

G、 Waste not, want not

The hugely popular blog the Skint Foodie chronicles how Tony balances his love of good food with living on benefits. After bills, Tony has 60 a week to spend, 40 of which goes on food, but 10 years ago he was earning 130,000 a I year working in corporate communications and eating at London's betft restaurants'" at least twice a week. Then his marriage failed, his career burned out and his drinking became serious. 

"The community mental health team saved my life. And I felt like that again, to a certain degree, when people responded to the blog so well. It gave me the validation and confidence that I'd lost. But it's still a day-by-day thing." Now he's living in a council flat and fielding offers from literary agents. He's feeling positive, but he'll carry on blogging - not about eating as cheaply as you can - "there are so many people in a much worse state, with barely any money to spend on food" - but eating well on a budget. Here's his advice for economical foodies.41._____________________Impulsive spending isn't an option, so plan your week's menu in advance, making shopping lists for your ingredients in their exact quantities. I have an Excel template for a week of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop laughing: it's not just cost effective but helps you balance your diet. It's also a good idea to shop daily instead of weekly, because, being-human, you'll sometimes change your mind about what you　fancy.

42____________________________________________________________

This is where supermarkets and thci; anonymity come in handy. With them,　there's not the same embarrassment as when buying one carrot in a little　greengrocer. And if you plan properly, you'll know that you only need, say, 350g　of shin of beef and six rashers of bacon, not whatever weight is pre-packed in the　supermarket chiller.

43____________________________________________________________

You may proudly claim to only have frozen peas in the freezer - that's not　good enough. Mine is filled with leftovers, bread, stock, meat and fish. Planning　ahead should eliminate wastage, but if you have surplus vegetables you'll do a　vegetable soup, and all fruits threatening to "go off' will be cooked or juiced.44___________________________________

Everyone says this, but it really is a top tip for frugal eaters. Shop at butchers,　delis and fish-sellers regularly, even for small things, and be super friendly. Soon　you'll feel comfortable asking if they've any knuckles of ham for soups and stews,　or beef bones, chicken carcasses and fish heads for stock which, more often than　not, Theyil let you have for free.

45_____________________________________________________________

You won't be eating out a lot, but save your pennies and once every fewmonths treat yourself to a set lunch at a good restaurant - 1.75 a week for three　months gives you 21 - more than" enough for a three-course lunch atMichelin-starred Arbutus. It's 16.95 there - or 12.99 for a large pizza from　Domino's: I know which I'd rather eat.

Women entering top management become headlines due to the lack of ______ .

The European Union’s intended legislation is ________ .

According ti Reading, quotas may help women ______ .

The author’s attitude toward reversing the high-speed trend is____ .

Europe is not a gender-equality heaven.In particular, the corporate workplace will never be completely family—friendly until women are part of senior management decisions,and Europe,s top corporate-governance positions remain overwhelmingly male .indeed,women hold only 14 percent of positions on Europe corporate boards.

The Europe Union is now considering legislation to compel corporate boards to maintain a certain proportion of women-up to 60 percent.This proposed mandate was born of frustration. Last year, Europe Commission Vice President Viviane Reding issued a call to voluntary action. Reading invited corporations to sign up for gender balance goal of 40 percent female board membership. But her appeal was considered a failure: only 24 companies took it up.

Do we need quotas to ensure that women can continue to climb the corporate Ladder fairy as they balance work and family?

“Personally, I don’t like quotas,” Reading said recently. “But i like what the quotas do.” Quotas get action: they “open the way to equality and they break through the glass ceiling,” according to Reading, a result seen in France and other countries with legally binding provisions on placing women in top business positions.

I understand Reading’s reluctance-and her frustration. I don’t like quotas either; they run counter to my belief in meritocracy, government by the capable. Bur, when one considers the obstacles to achieving the meritocratic ideal, it does look as if a fairer world must be temporarily ordered.